How much does a custom AI agent cost?
Paloren builds agents in a range of USD 40k to 90k over 6 to 10 weeks, shaped by the number of systems involved and the judgement the agent must exercise. Simpler chat agents start from USD 20k, voice agents from USD 25k.
Ongoing support starts from USD 2,500 per month for 10 hours, covering monitoring, tuning and improvements.
How long does it take to build and launch an agent?
Most agent projects run 6 to 10 weeks from kickoff to launch. The first weeks cover scoping, data access and design, followed by build, integration and testing against real scenarios.
Voice agents and chat agents can be ready in 4 to 8 weeks. A readiness assessment, which takes 2 to 3 weeks, can shorten the build phase by resolving data questions early.
What is the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot?
A chatbot answers questions in a single conversation and hands over when scripts run out. An agent goes further: it reads your systems, plans a sequence of steps, takes actions such as updating records or drafting replies, and escalates with context when human judgement is needed.
Paloren builds both, and advises which model suits each workflow rather than defaulting to the most complex option.
Can an agent connect to our CRM and internal tools?
Yes. Agents connect to CRMs, shared inboxes, ticketing systems, spreadsheets, data warehouses and internal apps through APIs and secure connections. During scoping the team maps every system the agent must read and write, then confirms access, permissions and data quality before any build begins.
What happens when an agent cannot handle a request?
Every Paloren agent ships with escalation rules. When a request falls outside its scope, needs commercial judgement or carries risk, the agent hands the conversation or task to a named person with full context attached, so nothing is repeated.
Escalation thresholds are agreed during design, tested before launch and reviewed during support sessions, then tightened as the agent proves itself on live work.
Do we need a readiness assessment before building an agent?
Not always, but it often saves money. A readiness assessment, from USD 8k over 2 to 3 weeks, examines your data, systems and workflows and flags gaps before build time is spent.
For teams with clean systems and a clearly defined process, Paloren can move straight to strategy and scoping. The team recommends the lighter path whenever the evidence supports it.
Who owns the agent and its code after launch?
You do. The agent, its configuration, prompts, integrations and documentation are handed over as part of delivery, and Paloren records everything in a way your own developers can maintain.
Many companies keep Paloren on a support agreement from USD 2,500 per month for 10 hours, while others take full ownership in house. Both routes are supported, and the choice stays yours.
Can Paloren build voice agents and AI receptionists?
Yes. Voice agents and AI receptionists are a dedicated Paloren service, priced from USD 25k to 60k over 4 to 8 weeks. They answer calls around the clock, capture caller details, answer common questions and route conversations to the right person.
Design work covers voice, script, escalation paths and integration with your CRM so every call lands in your records.
What support does Paloren provide after an agent goes live?
Support agreements start from USD 2,500 per month for 10 hours. That time covers monitoring agent performance, tuning responses, adjusting escalation rules, extending integrations and training new team members on the agent.
Companies use support in different ways: some book regular working sessions, others call on Paloren when priorities change. The commitment is monthly and reviewed, with no long lock in.